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Cinnamon Nutrition Facts

Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Studies conducted on cinnamon nutrition facts reveal that this popular spice contains about 80 beneficial nutrients. Read on to know about the nutritional information, health benefits, and side effects of cinnamon.
Cinnamon spice is derived from the barks of the bushy tree cinnamon, scientific name Cinnamomum species. While the Sri Lankan variety (C. verum) is considered a true one, there are two important cinnamon species, namely Ceylon cinnamon (C. zeylanicum) and Chinese cinnamon (C. aromaticum).
Flavor wise they are almost similar, but the Ceylon type is sweeter and difficult to find in the market. The dried bark is sold as rolls, sticks, or quills, after the outermost rough portion is discarded. You can find grounded form of cinnamon as well.
The importance of cinnamon in cookery and medicine has been known since time immemorial, which is evident from the fossil remains that interpret its cultivation in ancient times.
Today, it is not only known for as a strong flavored spice, but it has gained tremendous applications in therapeutic intervention. The bark itself is used for extracting essential oil. As far as cinnamon nutrition is concerned, it contains more than 80 nutrients, beneficial for proper functioning of the body.
The unique aroma and pungency of cinnamon are attributed to the compounds cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic aldehyde. Giving due importance to the health benefits of cinnamon, rigorous studies have been done regarding the nutrition facts.
Low in cholesterol, saturated fats, sugar, and sodium, it is an excellent flavoring ingredient for people with heart related problems. Refer to the points discussed ahead to get an idea about cinnamon nutritional information (serving size 1 tablespoon or 6.8 g).
Calories in Cinnamon: The total calorie content in 6.8 g of cinnamon is 17. Out of this, only 1 calorie is contributed by fats (total fat content is 0.2 g per 1 tablespoon) and zero percent from saturated fats. Overall, it is good for health conscious people.
Carbohydrates in Cinnamon: The amount of carbohydrates in 1 tablespoon serving size is approximately 5.5 g. Unlike other carbohydrate containing food items, it shows a negligible amount of sugar (only 0.1g per 1 tablespoon).
Dietary Fiber in Cinnamon: The high percentage content of dietary fiber (3.6 g in 1 tablespoon) also makes it a preferred spice among people having digestive problems. Using it regularly will reduce indigestion, constipation, and intestinal disorders.
Protein in Cinnamon: The concentration of protein in cinnamon is relatively low, as compared to that of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber content. Serving 6.8 g of the same will provide you 0.3 g proteins. Needless to say, you get proteins from other food ingredients. So, it is not at all a concerning issue.
Calcium and Iron in Cinnamon: It is good source of calcium and iron; having 1 tablespoon of cinnamon is sufficient to yield 14 percent calcium and 31 percent iron of the daily requirements of an adult. Nevertheless, the requirements may vary slightly as per your calorie needs.
Other Nutrients in Cinnamon: It also contains high amounts of vitamin A and C along with minerals like zinc, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. A 6.8 g serving provides 20 percent vitamin A and 12 percent vitamin C of the daily requirements of an adult.
Therapeutically cinnamon has anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, carminative, and rubefacient properties. However, its health benefits are mainly attributed to treating diabetic patients (especially those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes).
The active ingredients (especially eugenol) help regulate blood sugar levels, thus reducing diabetes related complications. You will be glad to know that antioxidant activity of cinnamon is also is very high. Having antimicrobial properties, consuming dishes cooked with cinnamon is effective to fight bacterial and yeast infections.
Other claimed benefits of cinnamon are improving memory, reducing arthritis pain (when taken with honey), treating flatulence, combating medication-resistant yeast infections. As per studies, having 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder everyday reduces bad cholesterol level.
Researches are ongoing to test its effectiveness in reducing proliferation of cancerous cells. Besides these therapeutic uses, cinnamon serves as a natural food preservative by increasing storage life of foods.
As you are well acquainted with cinnamon nutrition facts and health benefits, consider including it to ensure a good health and fight disease conditions. Nonetheless, remember that some side effects do exhibit in certain cases.
Probable adverse reactions include skin irritation, stomach discomfort, and increased heart rate. It may also increase the action of diabetic, blood thinning, and antibiotic medications, hence people who are currently taking them should consult the doctor before ingesting cinnamon products.